Cricket: Battle of the Johns ends today

The identity of the next nominee for the presidency of the International Cricket Council - either an Australian or a New Zealander - is expected to be revealed today.

Under the ICC rotation system, the two countries are to decide on one person to take over as vice-president for a term, before assuming the head job in 2012.

Cricket Australia has put forward former Prime Minister John Howard; New Zealand Cricket's man is former NZC chairman Sir John Anderson.

So protracted did discussions get that an emergency committee, comprising two men from each country and an independent chairman - Sir Rod Eddington, a prominent Australian businessman - was formed to find a resolution.

Apparently they have, but no one is saying which John has got the nod.

Howard, an unpopular choice among the Australian cricket fraternity, and chosen after CA could not find a suitable candidate from within its ranks, talks frequently of his love of the game, but has no administrative background.

Anderson, has a lengthy background in cricket administration, as well as being involved in several high-profile business positions.

The current ICC boss, Englishman David Morgan, is due to step down later this year, after completing his two-year term. He will be replaced by Indian Sharad Pawar.